What preconception tests might I need?

Talking to your health care provider about your health history and lifestyle habits is important. This information may prompt your health care provider to give you certain tests to find out if you have problems that could harm you or your infant.

Your health care provider may test you for the following:

Rubella

A blood test can determine whether you are vaccinated against rubella (also called German measles). Getting rubella while you are pregnant can harm the fetus. You should be vaccinated against rubella before you get pregnant.1

Sexually transmitted infections (STIs)

STIs such as gonorrhea, syphilis, chlamydia, and HIV can make it hard for you to get pregnant and can also harm you or your infant. HIV can be passed from a woman to her infant during pregnancy or delivery. This risk is less than 2% if certain HIV medications are taken during pregnancy.1

Genetic Disorders

Depending on your or your partner’s health history, your health care provider may refer you to a genetic counselor to help you determine if you are at an increased risk for passing on a genetic disorder, such as cystic fibrosis, Fragile X syndrome, or sickle cell disease, You can request preconception carrier screening, which involves a sample of blood or saliva.2Find a genetic counselor through the National Society of Genetic Counselors.

Other problems

Your doctor may want to perform other tests depending on your risk for other problems such as anemia (a condition that causes a low red blood cell count1) or hepatitis (a liver infection that can be passed on to your infant3).